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Abstract
Previous research on sexual practices and commitment to monogamy of individuals has primarily been conducted on populations who endorse traditional sexual orientation labels of heterosexual, bisexual, and homosexual. Recent studies, however, demonstrate 16% of men and 37% women demonstrate some form of non-heterosexual attraction, behaviour, or fantasy although they endorse a heterosexual orientation status. The present study explored the impact of attitudes towards monogamy and casual sex for individuals who endorse non-heterosexual impulses but a heterosexual sexual orientation. A sample of 1,614 heterosexual men and women completed a voluntary questionnaire about sexual orientation, attraction, behaviours, and their attitudes towards casual sex and monogamy. Results revealed individuals who reported non-heterosexual sexual impulses endorsed increased acceptance of non-monogamous behaviour and increased acceptance of casual sex. Findings demonstrate the importance of providing education to clients about sexual orientation development, as well as ensuring that mental health providers and researchers alike do not force traditional labels of sexual orientation onto individuals. Furthermore, results indicate counsellors should establish a framework to engage couples and individuals in discussing their desires for casual sex and non-monogamy in an environment which is both accepting and understanding of that person’s experience.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Joseph M. Currin
Mr. Currin is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in counselling psychology from Oklahoma State University (OSU) and is the research coordinator for OSU’s Sexual Health Research Lab. His research interests include development of human sexuality, technology and sexual partner seeking, sexuality-related mental health disparities, and rural health.
Randolph D. Hubach
Dr. Hubach is Assistant Professor of Health Education & Promotion at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and director of OSU’s Sexual Health Research Lab. Dr. Hubach is an active scholar with research interests in rural health, LGBT population health, sexuality-related health disparities, and HIV/AIDS.
Colton Brown
Mr. Brown is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in counselling psychology from Oklahoma State University (OSU) and a project coordinator for OSU’s Sexual Health Research Lab. His research interests include bisexual identity development, impact of monosexism on non-monosexual populations, and use of creativity in counselling.
Samuel Farley
Mr. Farley is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in counselling psychology from Oklahoma State University (OSU). His research interests include development of human sexuality and effects on health and development of hegemonic masculinity.